How To Grow A Holiday Cactus - Christmas, Thanksgiving & Easter Cactus Differences
Did you know that the Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus and Easter cactus all look deceptively similar, but are actually different plants? They are named after the time of year they normally bloom,each around their namesake holiday. Easter cactus, which blooms in spring, actually belongs to an entirely different family!
The Christmas cactus has rounded scalloped leaves, while the Thanksgiving cactus has pointy leaf tips. The Easter cactus also has more rounded scalloped edges.
Holiday Cactus Care
Luckily, caring for all three kinds of holiday cactus is essentially the same.
In most growing zones, they are not considered hardy and will need to be kept as a houseplant year round or brought indoors during the colder months. Unlike their desert cactus cousins that require a warm and dry environment, Christmas cacti prefer humidity and moisture. They like bright, indirect light, and temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to Make A Christmas Cactus Rebloom
Many holiday cacti rebloom each year on their own. However, to ensure blooming at the right time, there are a few extra steps you can take.
Once the plant has ceased all flowering, or about 6-8 weeks before you want it to rebloom, you should allow the plant to begin its dormancy cycle.
First, cut back on watering and reduce both light and temperature. The plant should receive 12-14 hours of darkness per day, with an average temperature of only 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to put the holiday cactus in total darkness, away from any indoor or outdoor lights. These forced “long nights” are meant to imitate what the plant would experience in its native region.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our most popular eBook "How to Grow Delicious Tomatoes."
Once the flower buds appear, slowly acclimate it back to its original location and resume normal care.
Potting Holiday Cactus
This type of plant is happiest when its roots are slightly crowded so repotting should be infrequent.
If, after a few years, your plant needs a new container, be sure to use a porous, lightweight, well-drained cactus potting mix in a pot with a drainage hole. You should repot a Christmas cactus after it has finished blooming.
Visit Our Complete Guide to Houseplant Care
Fertilizer for Holiday Cacti
The Christmas cactus does not need or want frequent fertilization, but a dose once a month during the non-blooming season can be helpful. A mild solution of a general houseplant fertilizer or specific formula for cacti and succulents is recommended.
Pruning a Holiday Cactus
You can prune a Christmas cactus annually if needed. Cut between two leaf segments, or cut the entire plant back by one third.
Propagating a Christmas Cactus
You can easily propagate a Christmas cactus by taking a short Y-shaped segment, letting it sit out for a few days to heal, then burying one quarter of its length into cactus mix. Keep the cuttings slightly moist and in just 2 weeks, you will have new roots!
Amy Draiss, Digital Community Manager at Gardening Know How since 2021, seamlessly blends her hands-on gardening experience with a digital green thumb. With roots in family landscaping and management at a garden center, Amy has cultivated expertise in plants, supplies, and customer relations. Residing in the Midwest, Amy tends to her two-acre haven, showcasing a diverse range of trees, shrubs, and perennials. As the Hydrangea Queen, she shares her love for these blooms and imparts gardening wisdom through videos and social media. Beyond gardening, Amy enjoys quality time with her family, travel, and theme parks. Amy's mission is to inspire and advise plant enthusiasts, fostering flourishing gardens for both seasoned and budding gardeners alike.
-
10 Best Apartment Plants To Turn Your Small Space Into An Oasis
The best apartment plants can lend an ambience of the tropics, brighten up a space, or add a touch of drama, and turn an apartment into a relaxing oasis.
By Amy Grant
-
Grow a Bathroom Oasis: 8 Best Bathroom Plants With No Light or Low Light
Some apartment dwellers grow the best bathroom plants with no light or low light. Read how one of our favorite plant lovers does it in the big city.
By Teo Spengler
-
Orchid Care: How To Grow Happy, Healthy Plants Indoors
Growing orchids as houseplants is such a rewarding hobby. Learn their unique care needs to keep plants thriving and bursting with flowers.
By Melanie Griffiths
-
What to Plant After Spring Bulbs Have Died Back – 8 Stunning Ideas
When spring bulbs die back they leave unwelcome gaps and fading foliage in their wake. But with some clever planting choices, this can be concealed. Discover the best options to take their place for beautiful beds all season long.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
It’s Official! This Classic Cottage Garden Favorite Is The 2024 Flower Of The Year
The 2024 Flower of the Year is a long-time garden favorite. Here’s why you will see peonies everywhere this year–and why you should add one to your garden.
By Laura Walters
-
How To Get Hydrangeas To Bloom
When your favorite hydrangea is not flowering, check out a list of what it requires and make some changes that will make it happy again.
By Caroline Bloomfield
-
Best Underrated Plants: Forgotten Plants That Deserve A Second Look
We all love a showstopper, but there are plenty of unsung garden heroes that can elevate the vitality of your plot. We round up eight underrated plants you need to grow this year
By Bonnie Grant
-
Fall Peony Care: Tips & Tricks For Big Blooms Next Spring
Fall peony care involves cutting the plants back, disposing of dead leaves, division and perhaps some mulching.
By Tonya Barnett
-
Why Are There Ants On My Peonies? Uncovering The Truth Behind This Perennial Mystery
Gardeners love peonies and so do ants. But what do ants on peonies mean? We uncover the truth behind the perennial myth that peonies need ants to bloom.
By Tonya Barnett
-
5 Things To Know About Rose Mallow
Looking to grow Hibiscus moscheutos, also known as rose mallow? Here are five essential care tips you need to know.
By Amy Draiss